When Laura first came to CHiP, she was 17, pregnant and a high school junior living with her mother, step-father, and younger siblings. When she turned 18, her parents allowed her to move in with her boyfriend (now husband), Gabriel, who lived with his family. Laura had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby daughter, Alyson. CHiP provided prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care teaching, lactation support, and helped Laura connect with resources like the United Way Child Care Scholarship, Young Lives Mentor Moms, WIC, and Medicaid.

Laura pursued certification as a dental assistant through CATEC and graduated from high school in 2015. Her commitment to breastfeeding meant taking breaks to pump breastmilk while at school and work. She was hired by the Community Dental Center and has been employed there ever since.

Laura has been an active participant in CHiP home visits, welcoming the education provided about child development and parenting and family planning. She and Gabriel are hands-on parents who are very bonded with their daughter, ensuring Alyson has a safe, stable, and stimulating home. When they learned they were expecting a second child, Laura called CHiP. She gave birth to another healthy baby girl, Lila, in April of 2018.

Laura is an inspiring example of how a little support can go a long way. After working hard to manage their financial resources, Laura and Gabriel purchased a trailer and have since applied and been approved for a Habitat for Humanity house. They continue to be grateful for the support of their CHiP team and work diligently to give their children a strong foundation for health and success.